The night was steadily falling over the fortress, the sky shifting to deep hues of indigo and violet as the sun dipped behind the horizon. Kael sat on his bed, his eyes fixed on the glowing interface of his system. His fingers drummed quietly on the table as he sifted through his stats, seeing only marginal improvements since his last check.
[System Interface - Kael Thorne]
Name: Kael Thorne
Title(s): Exiled Scion, Fallen Noble, Dignity of the Noble (Passive Trait)
Potential: B+
Current Rank: F (Current Progress: F+)
Attributes:
Strength: 18 (F+)
Agility: 14 (F+)
Endurance: 31 (E-)
Intelligence: 27 (F+)
Mana Capacity: 40 (E-)
Luck: 13 (F)
Skills:
Intermediate Swordsmanship: 60/100
Basic Mana Control: 45/100
Perfect Insight (Passive): MAX — Enables instant memorization and flawless replication of any observed technique, spell, or movement.
Stoic Resolve (Passive): MAX — Grants the ability to maintain composure, suppress emotions, and remain calm under pressure, masking any weakness or vulnerability from others.
Kael sighed, his brow furrowing slightly. Only a week had passed, but the slow progress felt grating. His strength had increased by a few points, and his mana capacity had risen to 40, but it still wasn't enough. Swordsmanship was still at the intermediate level, and unless he could increase his strength significantly, the techniques he had learned from his father and the soldiers would remain out of reach.
He shifted his gaze away from the stats screen, rubbing his temples. He had been training relentlessly for the past few weeks, but it felt like he was stuck at a wall. The dungeon still loomed in his mind, its unknown threat becoming more pressing with every passing day. Commander Arvell's absence left him with the rare freedom to act, but even now, Kael found himself at a crossroads.
What could he do if he found the dungeon? He wasn't strong enough to face whatever it contained. He could tell the commander, but that would be a waste of the opportunity. The rewards were tempting, but how could a measly F-ranked person like himself even consider taking on something so dangerous?
Kael's hand clenched into a fist, frustration bubbling inside him. He wanted to do something, to prove that he could handle the situation on his own, even if it meant facing death. But that wasn't a decision he could make lightly. He couldn't ignore the risk, especially when it was clear that even an S- rank individual like the commander had fallen.
His thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock on the door. Kael looked up, the frown still etched on his face.
"Kael? It's Liana," came her gentle voice through the door. "Can I come in?"
"Yeah, come in," he replied, shaking his head as if trying to shake off the nagging thoughts.
Liana entered, holding a tray of food, the comforting smell of freshly cooked meat and bread filling the air. As she set the tray down on the small table beside him, she gave him a concerned glance.
"You've been training a lot lately," she said softly. "You're looking a little worn out."
"I'm fine," Kael replied, the words coming out more sharply than he intended. He softened his tone immediately, not wanting to upset her. "Just... thinking about things."
She looked at him, her gaze filled with concern. "Don't push yourself too hard, Kael. You don't need to prove anything."
Kael smiled slightly, though it didn't reach his eyes. "I'm not trying to prove anything... just... trying to figure things out."
Liana nodded, her expression softening. She placed a hand on his shoulder, her touch warm. "Well, you'll figure it out. You're stronger than you think."
Kael appreciated the sentiment, though he wasn't sure if it was true. He had made progress, but it was barely noticeable. Even with the improvement in his mana capacity and strength, it was still a long road ahead.
After a brief silence, Liana shifted the conversation, a small smile curling on her lips as she gestured to the food. "I made your favorite tonight. I hope it's good enough for you."
Kael glanced down at the meal and then back at her, feeling a small sense of comfort. "It smells great. I'm sure it's perfect."
As he began to eat, Liana watched him closely, her eyes bright. "You know, you're the only one I've ever cooked for. I'm glad you like it."
Kael paused, looking up at her with a soft smile. "I appreciate it, Liana. It's good to have something familiar. I don't know what I'd do without you."
Her cheeks flushed a little, and she lowered her gaze, clearly shy. "I... I'm happy to help. I just want you to be okay."
Kael's heart tightened, but he didn't let it show. He couldn't tell her the truth, couldn't explain what he was about to do. There were too many risks, and he didn't want her to be involved.
After finishing his meal, Kael stood up, his mind turning back to the task at hand. He had to make a decision. As the night deepened, he couldn't help but think about the strange behavior of the monsters. The commander had gone away, and this was his opportunity. But was he truly ready to face whatever lay in the dungeon? He wasn't even sure where it was, and no one knew about it except for him.
Liana stood from her seat, her eyes following him closely. "Where are you going?" she asked, her voice laced with worry. "You've been training so much already."
Kael turned to her, swallowing the lump in his throat. "I... I'm going out for a while. I have to do something."
Liana's face immediately fell, her hands clutching her sleeves tightly. "Again? Kael... last time you went out, you were hurt. You were unconscious for days. Please, don't do this to yourself."
Kael's expression softened, and he walked toward her. "I know you're worried, but I'll be fine, Liana. This is different. I'm just going to find something important. It won't take long."
Her eyes flickered with uncertainty, her lips trembling as she searched his face for any hint of reassurance. "But what if it's dangerous again? What if you get hurt? I... I can't stand the thought of you being hurt again."
Kael's heart squeezed painfully at the fear in her eyes, but he had already made up his mind. "I can't explain it all to you right now. But I have to go, Liana. This is something I need to do on my own."
Liana's voice cracked, her next words barely a whisper. "Why can't you let me help? I don't want you to leave. I don't want to be alone again."
Kael winced, guilt flooding him. He gently took her hands in his, squeezing them softly. "You're not alone, Liana. You're stronger than you think. But this... this is something I have to do."
"But Kael... please, take me with you," she pleaded, her eyes wide with desperation. "I may not be as strong as you, but I can help. I can do simple magic. I... I can protect you."
Kael shook his head firmly. "No, Liana. You don't understand. This is too dangerous. I can't let you get involved in something like this."
She stepped back, tears threatening to spill over as her voice dropped to a near whisper. "I don't care if it's dangerous. I don't want you to go alone. I want to be with you."
Kael's breath caught in his throat, his chest tightening with the weight of her words. He gently cupped her face in his hands, wiping away a tear that had escaped her eye.
"I promise I'll be okay. I won't let anything happen to me. But you have to trust me, Liana," he said softly, his voice a mixture of reassurance and resolve. "I'm doing this because it's something I need to face. You don't need to carry that burden."
Liana's lower lip quivered as she bit it, trying to suppress her sobs. She looked up at him, her face still pale and tear-streaked. "You're leaving... and I can't stop you. But please, Kael, promise me you'll come back. Promise you won't get hurt. I can't bear it if something happens to you."
Kael's heart shattered at the raw emotion in her voice, but he nodded firmly. "I promise. I'll come back. I won't let myself get hurt. I'll do whatever it takes to come back to you."
She nodded slowly, though her tear-filled eyes betrayed her fear. "Please... come back to me. I can't be alone again."
With one last lingering look, Kael turned toward the door. He had made his choice. He had to find the dungeon, whatever the cost. But he would keep his promise to Liana. He would return